Becky Worsey, assistant chief engineer at Siemens Mobility, has a rich background in both the UK and Australian Air Forces, where she served as an aircraft engineer and maintenance quality inspector, respectively. Having been the first woman to receive a promotion within Qantas Defence Services in Australia, she has since returned to the UK, transitioning into the transport and mobility sector. As a proud veteran, Becky is dedicated to supporting her peers through initiatives like the Military to Rail Programme at Siemens, which helps armed forces veterans transition into careers in the transport sector.
“My military background gave me the confidence to rely on my experiences, even when things didn’t go perfectly. Having the ability to get back up and try again after setbacks has been a crucial part of my success.”
Making the transition from the RAF to civilian engineering
I joined the Royal Air Force at 17 as an aircraft engineer, which took me on incredible journeys, including experiencing warzones as an air-to-air refueler. When I was 26, I decided to move to Australia and took on the role of maintenance quality inspector with Qantas Defence Services. Being the first-ever woman to be promoted there was tough — I felt like I had something to prove every day.
After returning to the UK in 2005, I held various roles in aerospace and marine engineering before eventually joining Siemens Mobility. I’ve worn many hats here, from assurance and governance manager to head of quality, and now I’m serving as assistant chief engineer.
A day in the life at Siemens Mobility
My day-to-day role at Siemens Mobility is fast-paced and always evolving — no two days are the same. Currently, I work as assistant chief engineer, overseeing a variety of responsibilities, from handling inquiries to ensuring regulations are followed on the shop floor. It’s a lot to juggle, but I thrive in this dynamic environment, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life
Transitioning out of the RAF and into a civilian career wasn’t without its challenges. The regimented lifestyle I had been so used to was gone, and I had to adjust to things that might seem routine to others, like finding my own home or doing the weekly food shop. At first, I was nervous about fitting into a new work environment, but I quickly realised that the skills I developed in the RAF were highly transferable. This boosted my confidence and allowed me to feel more comfortable in my new role.
From setback to comeback: Resilience is key
The skills I picked up in the RAF, like organisation, hard work, and delivering high-quality results on time, have been instrumental in my civilian career. My military background gave me the confidence to rely on my experiences, even when things didn’t go perfectly. Having the ability to get back up and try again after setbacks has been a crucial part of my success.
Key projects
A major project I worked on last year was the Clapham Board Challenge, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the Clapham Junction disaster. The goal of this was to raise awareness of the tragedy and showcase how far the industry has come in terms of safety regulations and best practices. After the presentation, one of the families reached out to me, making me feel very humbled that I was able to ensure the legacy of their loved ones wasn’t forgotten.
I’ve also been working on team building for the Military to Rail Programme at Siemens, which offers armed forces veterans a pathway into our industry. As part of the Veterans Group, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see ex-service members like me thriving in new careers. I’ve also been working on team building for the Military to Rail Programme at Siemens Mobility. As part of the Veterans Group, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see ex-service members like me thriving in new careers.
Advice for transport careers
If you’re thinking about a career in the transport sector but don’t know where to start, my advice is to do your research. Plenty of online resources provide a wealth of information about the sector, the different roles, and the people working in it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to individuals already in the field, ask them questions, and lean on any relevant experience you already have. Drawing from previous jobs or education will help you feel more settled and confident as you start your career in transport.
Continuing to learn and grow
I’m always excited about what’s coming next. I’m particularly looking forward to expanding my knowledge even further. Last year, I was fortunate enough to be nominated to be part of Siemens Mobility’s Enhanced Development Programme, which offers a great opportunity for both personal and professional growth. It was a lot of work, but I loved the challenge and the chance for continuous development. I was also nominated and made it to being a finalist of the 2024 Women in Rail Awards in the ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ category. This was a huge compliment and even being nominated made me feel so proud. I’m trying to lead the way for women in engineering and I felt this was one step closer to success.
